Scampi is a dish that can take on many flavors and variations depending on the culture and ingredients. When combined with the finest cuts from Prime Meats, the possibilities are endless. From rich Southern flavors to bold seasonings, our top 5 five scampi recipes include unique flavors and techniques that reflect the diverse and vibrant food traditions.

Here are the Top 5 Scampi Recipes made with premium meats and seafood from Prime Meats.

1. Creole Shrimp Scampi

Inspired by the rich and flavorful Creole cuisine of New Orleans, this shrimp scampi recipe incorporates bold spices, fresh seafood, and a hearty kick of heat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined from Prime Meats)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (available at Prime Meats)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • 1 lb spaghetti or linguine

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
  4. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly.
  5. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and toss the cooked pasta in the sauce.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

2. Southern Shrimp and Grits Scampi

A Southern classic with a twist! This recipe combines the buttery richness of scampi with the creamy texture of shrimp and grits. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining two iconic dishes into one.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined from Prime Meats)
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups chicken broth (for grits)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook grits according to package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream and butter for a creamy consistency. Set aside.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
  4. Pour in white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce the sauce.
  5. Stir in fresh lemon juice and green onions.
  6. Serve the shrimp over a bed of grits and garnish with fresh parsley.

3. Soul Food Shrimp Scampi with Collard Greens

This recipe takes the traditional shrimp scampi and adds a Southern twist with hearty collard greens. The smoky, earthy greens complement the rich shrimp and buttery sauce perfectly.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined from Prime Meats)
  • 1 lb fresh collard greens (washed and chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 lb spaghetti or macaroni

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
  4. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes.
  5. Stir in smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  6. Add collard greens to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to wilt.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix well. Stir in fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

4. Blackened Fish Scampi (Tilapia or Catfish)

A twist on the traditional shrimp scampi, this blackened fish scampi uses catfish or tilapia—both common in Southern cooking—combined with rich garlic butter sauce for a bold, flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tilapia or catfish fillets (from Prime Meats)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp blackened seasoning
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb pasta (linguine or spaghetti)

Instructions:

  1. Season the fish fillets with blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add the fish fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  4. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, letting the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in fresh lemon juice and green onions.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet, mixing well. Garnish with fresh parsley.

5. Jerk Shrimp Scampi

Inspired by the bold, spicy flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning, this jerk shrimp scampi adds a kick to the traditional recipe. The rich garlic butter sauce balances out the heat from the seasoning for a perfect combination.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined from Prime Meats)
  • 1 tbsp jerk seasoning (available at Prime Meats)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 1 lb spaghetti or penne pasta

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Prime Meats jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
  5. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, simmering for 2 minutes to reduce the sauce.
  6. Stir in fresh lime juice and toss the cooked pasta in the skillet.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Conclusion

These five scampi recipes are the perfect way to bring the flavors of Southern, Creole, and Caribbean cuisines into your kitchen, all while utilizing the premium cuts of meat and seafood from Prime Meats, Cleveland’s #1 Butcher. Whether you’re craving a classic Creole shrimp scampi or something with a bit of heat like jerk shrimp scampi, these dishes will make every meal feel like a celebration of culture, flavor, and family. So grab your apron, head to Prime Meats, and let’s get cooking!